CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY NINE - The Enemy Gains the Upper Hand

A week before the big day, Ella found herself in Sophia's playroom, surrounded by a sea of colorful decorations and party supplies. She was carefully sorting through a pile of invitations when Lucas poked his head in. "How's it going in here?" he asked, taking in the organized chaos with an amused smile. Ella blew a strand of hair out of her face and sighed. "I think I've finally got the guest list sorted. Did you remember to invite the Johnsons' twins? Sophia's been talking about them non-stop since that playdate last month." Lucas nodded, crossing the room to plant a kiss on her forehead. "Already done. I called Mark personally to make sure they could make it." "You're a lifesaver," Ella said, leaning into his touch. "I can't believe our baby is turning three already. Where does the time go?" "I know," Lucas agreed, his voice soft with nostalgia. "It feels like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital." Their moment was interrupted by the pitter-patter of litt